Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) in shampoo – why avoid it?

Organic consumption is on the rise and the “free-from” craze is sweeping the beauty market. As we become increasingly aware of what we put both on and in our bodies, the term “sulfate-free” is a big one. This article explains Sodium Laureate Sulfate (SLES) – an ingredient commonly found in shampoos, and a well-documented skin irritant – and why it should be avoided.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): a controversial ingredient in shampoos

What is Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)? Sodium Laureth Sulfate is commonly used in cleaning, skincare, and haircare products such as shampoos. SLES, a surfactant , creates the foamy, bubbly lather we have come to associate with our household cleaning products. Unfortunately, Sodium Laureth Sulfate is known to cause skin irritations! Because SLES is such an effective surfactant and foaming agent, it is found in household cleaning products such as laundry detergents, spray cleaners, and dishwasher tablets.

So why do cosmetic brands use Sodium Laureth Sulfate? The answer is it’s incredibly cheap! SLES has high foaming and lathering properties to lift dirt, oil, and other substances from the hair. And while bubbles look great in shampoo commercials, they aren’t essential to clean hair.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate is not needed in shampoo, and here at This Green we offer a natural alternative: soap nuts!

The Alternative: Natural shampoo with soap nuts

Derived from Sapindus, a tree native to India, soap nuts contain a wonderful, inexpensive ingredient known as saponin. Saponin is a gentle, full biodegradable soap and contains no skin irritating agents. Soap nuts, a natural alternative to sulfates, produces a foam when mixed with water. Additionally, soap nuts are filled with rich nutrients leaving your hair soft and silky.

Soap nut – based shampoo also works great on color-treated hair. It will not alter the structure of your hair fiber, like a chemical-based shampoo, which is why we use soap nuts in This Green’s natural shampoo!